The Surrey Board of Trade is changing the public narrative for the taxi industry around partnership and innovation. Their continued advocacy for the past 6 years, in addition to advocating for the ridesharing industry, is to ensure that the taxi industry can participate in the economy on a level playing field.

“As we move to re-open the economy through a phased and careful approach, alternative ways to get around safely are needed,” said Anita Huberman, CEO, Surrey Board of Trade.

The Surrey Board of Trade earlier this year released a petition asking for one priority item: the removal of archaic taxi boundaries and allow the 2,500 taxis in Metro Vancouver to pick-up and drop-off anywhere in the Lower Mainland to serve the public better.

“Local taxis, also members of the Surrey Board of Trade, want to compete with ride-hailing companies, but on a level playing field, without any boundaries,” said Anita Huberman. “This will be true economic action that will improve customer service and be a true transportation choice to move people.”

The Surrey Board of Trade sent a letter to Premier Horgan and Minister Trevena asking for the removal of the barriers for the taxi industry, which is going to be more crucial now to the reopening of the economy.

“Many individuals who relied on taking public transportation will be facing a new reality. Some will not be able to afford a new car to commute to work and utilizing other transportation methods will be necessary. Reopening the economy will require innovative policy-making.”

Currently, government red tape forces taxis to drive back empty (deadhead) after dropping off passengers in neighbouring municipalities. Deadheading leads to inefficient use of taxi fleets, increased congestion, GHG emissions, higher costs, longer wait times for passengers and lower income for drivers.